C10 Hypocrite

The look in her eyes was less about hope and more about having her pegged. They knew she was thoughtful and kind-hearted, not one to easily make enemies, especially not with her own sister. But now, they were likely to be disappointed.

The fire three years ago had long since burned away the last bit of kindness she had left. A faint smirk of cold irony tugged at her lips as she quietly watched the mother and daughter, saying nothing, her gaze deep and unreadable.

Perhaps her stare was too intense, as Mrs. Qian broke out in a thin layer of cold sweat. The old Zuoyu was easily manipulated, but now there was something in her eyes that was hard to decipher.

"Zuoyu?" Mrs. Qian swallowed, clutching her handkerchief tighter, and tentatively spoke.

Hearing her, Zuoyu's face broke into a bright smile. She moved closer to them warmly, taking Mrs. Qian's hand, and said earnestly, "Since this is what my sister wishes for, how could I, as her older sister, not support her?"

This wasn't quite what they had imagined, was it? Not only Mrs. Qian, but even Waner's smile froze on her face.

Before they could react, Zuoyu calmly continued, "I vaguely remember that the monastery outside the city is a place where many esteemed monks gather. I heard they're accepting female disciples recently. If my sister is truly devoted to a spiritual life, it might be an excellent choice."

Waner couldn't take it anymore, her lips twitching in frustration. Zuoyu had even planned out her future.

Mrs. Qian suddenly pulled her hand away, her face turning pale with anger, her finger trembling as she pointed at Zuoyu. "What are you thinking?"

Zuoyu lazily withdrew her hand, slowly pulling out a handkerchief to wipe it clean. Then she looked up, her gaze cold and mocking. "Sister just said herself that someone so unfaithful isn't fit for marriage. I'm merely considering the best option for her. If Mother truly doesn't want her to live a monastic life, perhaps finding her a simple family to marry into, where she can be a wife and mother, wouldn't be so bad either."

Waner had schemed so hard to win over Yaen Ting, dreaming of a life of luxury. But Zuoyu was determined to thwart her plans, dragging Waner down into the dirtiest depths instead.

To truly quench her anger, she felt she needed to see Waner utterly destroyed. Memories of past grievances flooded back, fueling her desire for revenge. But now wasn't the time. Letting Waner die easily would be too merciful; she wanted her to suffer.

Back in the present, Waner looked at her, tears streaming down her face, smudging her makeup in a comical way. "Sister, you still blame me," she sighed, as if making a significant decision. She looked at Mrs. Qian and said softly, "Since you wish for me to live a life of solitude, then I'll fulfill your wish."

Ha—

Zuoyu sneered inwardly. Waner's talent for feigning innocence and malice hadn't diminished at all. If word got out, everyone would surely think she was the one with a scheming heart, unable to tolerate her sister.

"Daughter!" Mrs. Qian hadn't expected this outcome. She clutched Waner's hand desperately, tears streaming down her face. "Please, don't do anything foolish."

"No, Mother, this is my own doing, and I must bear the consequences. I truly regret what happened with my sister. If this can ease her anger, then I'm willing to do it."

With that, the two of them embraced, crying bitterly.

If someone unaware of the truth saw this scene, they might think she was being deliberately bullied. But Waner had done the same in the past.

She watched coldly, feeling a chill in her heart. The two of them were putting on a clumsy show. She had been foolish before, believing their lies and ruining her own future.

"It pains me to see you like this, sister. If you truly don't want to go to the chapel to pray, I'm willing to find you a suitable husband," she said with a smile, looking at Waner.

Waner clutched her stomach with a pained expression and said, "But I'm carrying Yaen Ting's child. Sister, I know you can't tolerate any nonsense, but even if you can't accept me, you can't reject Yaen Ting's child. The child is innocent."

"So what do you want, sister? For us to share a husband?" she retorted with a cold laugh.

Even if Waner had such plans, she would never agree. The thought disgusted her.

She didn't expect Zuoyu to be so blunt. Waner was momentarily speechless, staring at Zuoyu in shock, unable to respond.

"Sister, I wouldn't dare think that way. But besides the Noble Heir Yaen, I have no other choice. After all, he's the father of the child I'm carrying."

"How dare you bring up this child?!" Zuoyu glared at her coldly, her face stern. "Sister, have you forgotten how this child came to be?"

Using some underhanded means to conceive, and now she has the audacity to demand recognition. Truly, the nerve.

Back at the Marquis Mansion, in front of everyone, she admitted to seducing her brother-in-law. And now, she has the gall to ask for acknowledgment.

"Zuoyu!" Mrs. Qian desperately signaled her with her eyes. "Your sister just woke up. Don't provoke her."

"So, Mother, you want me to welcome her with open arms and make her a concubine for Yaen Ting?" Zuoyu scoffed.

"She is your sister, after all. You must consider her."

"I see her as a sister, but she doesn't necessarily see me as one," Zuoyu replied with a cold smile.

Out of Zuoyu's sight, Mrs. Qian and Waner exchanged a glance. Waner nodded, a hint of malice in her eyes.

When she looked back at Zuoyu, her expression was blurred. Struggling to sit up, she reached for the prepared tea with great difficulty.

"This matter is indeed my fault. I apologize to you, sister. Please forgive me. This is your favorite Biluochun tea, made with spring dew. Please, have a taste."

Holding the cup of green tea, it was almost as if she was about to bring it right to her lips. How eager she was, like in a past life, to serve a bitter brew.

She furrowed her brow slightly, smiling as she pushed the cup towards Waner, one hand restraining her, while the other snatched the tea and brought it to her lips. She laughed, "Sister, you're not well. You should drink it."

Waner looked terrified, leaning back with all her might, afraid the tea would find its way down her throat.

Mrs. Qian was startled, quickly stepping in front of Waner to snatch the tea away.

Zuoyu calmly withdrew her hand, her scrutinizing gaze fixed on Mrs. Qian, her smile cold, "Mother, what does this mean?"

Mrs. Qian, intimidated by her gaze, took a shaky step back, her eyes wide with panic.